Once upon a time, there was a mom who took two years off from academics. She was so concerned that her child was already behind academically so no further time could be lost. Time off for holidays was just not feasible in her mind. There was work to do after all. That holiday season she tortured her autistic child with lessons that ended up being redone come January anyway. It was a complete and utter failure. If you looked up worst Christmas ever in the dictionary, I’m sure her picture would be there right next to the Grinch.

You probably guessed by now that the mom in the above story was me.  That Christmas season was beyond horrid. It was so bad that my New Year’s Resolution was to figure out what went wrong as well to right the ship in our homeschool.

I was lamenting my woes to Logan’s RDI therapist who pointed out what I already knew deep in my gut. We had tried to do too much. Thanksgiving followed by my birthday then his birthday then Christmas had set him up for failure from the beginning.  What she said next revolutionized my thinking, “Just because it isn’t formal teaching doesn’t mean he isn’t learning.”

Many years later, we have developed a system that works surprisingly well. Part of the joy of year round homeschooling means that formal academics can take a break for the 6 week period from Thanksgiving to New Years. Make no mistake that learning is still happening. It’s a more relaxed with holiday overtones type of learning but it is learning nonetheless.

Autistic children will continue to need structure as well as routine even through the holidays. You can’t just throw homeschool out the window and hope to survive the season unscathed. What you can do is to take a more relaxed approach to learning so as to not overwhelm their already maxed out sensory systems.

Cooking, reading and watching movies can all be part of their day during homeschool time. Other than this change, try to stick to their schedules as much as possible. An autistic child simply can not navigate too much change and stimuli at the same time. Holiday specific learning will help them transition back to their regularly scheduled academics come the new year as well.

Resources To Help Accentuate Homeschooling In the Holidays

Christmas Around The World

We lucked out living near Walt Disney World for so many years. Their countries around Epcot do a Christmas Around The World that can not be beat complete with their country’s version of Santa and traditions, For my highly visual kids, these visits made geography and literature come alive.

Learning About Advent

Want to spend some time focusing on the true meaning of the season while learning as well. An advent study would be perfect. A Gentle Advent is a low key approach that has them learning Scripture, handicrafts and hymns.

You spend time in the kitchen as well as crafting all while learning about the Advent season. It’s a very low key approach that is perfect for the very busy season ahead.

It gives you down time which your child will need while also giving them structure which they crave. 

Holiday Specific Events

Hymn studies, plays, or art classes are also fun to do this time of year.

Madison always dances in Nutcracker due to her ballet studies. It has become our tradition to read the book, see the ballet, then do some craft that pertains to it. This year we are looking forward to doing the You Are An Artist series on it.  

Holidays can bring chaos and destruction to your homeschooling if you don’t plan ahead. Your autistic child wants a successful holiday season as much as you do. By preplanning as well as relaxing your standards you can help your child remain regulated and have fun.

Those memories will be worth their weight in gold the rest of the year. 

The post Why Homeschooling And Holidays Are Not Good Bedfellows appeared first on Our Crazy Adventures In Autismland.

If you had asked me when Logan was 5  if he was going to be able to vote, I would have answered emphatically no. He didn’t talk, wasn’t potty trained or even able to be left alone for any period of time.  He barely slept and we were only a year or two out from the doctor telling me to send him to a group home. I just wanted him to drink from a real cup instead of a sippy cup and use his fork instead of his hands. Voting was the last thing on my mind at that time, for him or me.

Fast forward 13 years.  We are looking forward to seeing him live independently in the next few years. We grappled with whether to look into guardianship of him for a few years. The thought of him having to talk to police alone was enough to make me want to get it. As we researched, we kept coming back to his right to vote.  He would be stripped of that right under guardianship laws.  For him, it was a deal breaker.  We had spent years teaching him the importance of being civically responsible to get out to vote. It would be hypocritical of us to take that responsibility away for him. If at any time I thought his safety deemed guardianship necessary then that would have trumped the right to vote. In the end, I determined that it was more for my own peace of mind than anything he needed. We ended up going with power of attorney for health reasons only. As for speaking to police, we have drilled it into him that his only answer to any question is “I want to speak to my attorney.”

Voting is one of the primary ways we take part in our democracy, but when it comes to explaining the process to children, it can be a little difficult. The weeks leading up to Election Day can provide the perfect opportunities for teaching your kids how our country works.

Whether you want to shed light on your values and beliefs or highlight current issues and events, I have 5 tips to help you discuss the aspects of voting with your little citizens.

5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids About Voting

Show the Concept of Voting

Remembering that our kids with autism think in pictures,illustration can better help get the point across. With this method in mind, even a preschooler can understand what it means to make a decision. Make it a fun learning time by setting up a mock poll in your home.

Use something your kids may be familiar with such as choosing a meal for dinner or picking a family movie to watch. Go all in and create ballots with 3-4 choices and even invite them to stand in front of the family and voice why they made a particular choice.

This not only teaches children the concept of nominating, but it can also help them begin to understand the meaning behind advocacy. Learning how to advocate for themselves is an crucial skill in Autismland.

Teach Your Kids that Their Voice Matters in Voting

By sharing your values and beliefs, you can show your kids how your voice matters in the voting process. Tie this into telling them who you are voting for and why. Go in as much depth as you feel necessary to help them understand that things that are important to you and your family can be greatly impacted depending on who is in office.

Teach Respectful Disagreement

Now, more than ever, it is important for kids to learn that with voting comes disagreement. However, they can also be shown that it is perfectly okay to disagree with others and still remain friends. Also involved in this learning opportunity is the skill of listening to others (and with respect).

Talk to your children about how you handle disagreements and disappointments in your home. Use examples they can relate to such as a fight with a sibling over a toy or game. Remind them of ways to manage their emotions and when an apology is necessary. All of these social skills are crucial to your Autism Action Plan.

Show Your Kids the Signs of Election Season

As Election Day grows closer and closer, towns will become covered in signs, campaign managers visiting homes, commercials, and even live debates. Pointing out these signs to your kids will help them get a visual of what voting looks like from the perspective of the person running for an office.

You can also take this time to teach them about the different positions that people are running for and the roles they play in the overall government design. 

Get Your Kids Excited About Voting

One of the best ways to get your kids excited about voting is to involve them in as much of the process as possible. If you will be mailing in your ballot, be sure to show it to them so they can see what it looks like. If you are able to vote in person, take them with you if you can. Early voting is a great time to take them as it tends to be less crowded. 

They’ll see how important voting is to you and most like follow suit as they grow up.

Mock Election Printable Pack

If you’re looking for an easy way to help teach the voting process to your kids, take a look at my Mock Election Printable Pack. It includes: 

• Voter registration cards
• Vote For Me campaign posters
• Candidate sheet
• Election ballot
• I Voted! badges

We’ve made it simple and fun to help your children understand the basic voting process!

The post How To Teach Kids About Voting appeared first on Our Crazy Adventures In Autismland.

I always like to tell anyone that wants to get Logan a Christmas gift specific things to buy. Although it sounds entitled, I very heavily encourage them not to deviate from the list. There are things he just won’t or can’t play with. No one wants their holiday to be ruined in an autism rising moment. Like the time my sister gave him play dough when he was 12. He can’t play with it due to a gluten allergy. Yeah, that was fun.

Regardless, lots of times, grandparents have a hard time buying what is developmentally appropriate for the autistic child. It’s hard for them to accept this gap. Giving them a list and asking them not to deviate from it helps buffer that emotion. It sets realistic expectations for everyone.

Holiday Gift Guide For Autistic Children

Is the child non verbal or pre verbal?

If the child doesn’t have an AAC device, then an iPad and program would be life changing for the family. iPads are normally on sale around Black Friday or during the holidays. Make sure to get a protective case as autistic kids sometimes have poor impulsivity.

2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space GrayOtterBox UnlimitEd SERIES Case with Kickstand & Hand Strap + Screen Protector for iPad 7th, 8th & 9th Gen (10.2

Sometimes you want to get a gift to help with communication but an iPad is out of the budget. Why not get some communication boards or picture schedules?

Say it with Symbols Compact Adult Picture Communication Book Helps Adults with Speech Difficulties from Stroke, Aphasia, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsons, MSDaily Visual Picture Schedule W/ 3 Charts and 45 Colorful Real Picture Cards for Children/Adults W/Autism, Speech Delays

A sign language coloring book would be helpful for everyone involved in your child’s care. The more your child can communicate, the better quality of life for him and the whole family.

Miko’s got dozens of emotions (and a few tricks up its sleeve). Not just recognizing you and calling you by name, but responding to your mood and getting to know you a little better each day. Need a joke when you’re down? A dance when you’re bored? Miko’s on it. Because it’s not just the smartest little robot you’ll ever meet. It’s also your friend.

Perfect for autistic children to work on emotions in a safe environment.

What are the child’s therapy needs? 

Plasma cars, exercise balls as well as other occupational therapy items can be helpful for continuing therapy at home.  Find out the child’s therapy needs then buy from there.

PlasmaCar The Original by PlaSmart (Red)OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat 100% Cotton Child Hammock Chair for Indoor and Outdoor use (Blue)Body Sock Sensory Sox – Deep Pressure Stimulation for Children with Sensory Proceessing Disorders

Anything they can use for their sensory needs are always a good gift idea. Weighted vests or blankets, sensory swings or boxes. Anything you need to help your child maintain their sensory diet.

Educational needs can not be overlooked regardless if homeschooled or public schooled. One way to enhance social outings and learn new skills is using a vr headset You can do a tour of Disney World and “ride” Thunder Mountain.

At one point he put his hand in front of his face as if to block it and said “ah! Be careful!” Having fun and working on his expressive language!! It’s a win-win!

Oculus Quest 2 — 256GB Video — White Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset — 3D Cinematic Sound — for Family Holiday VR Gaming Entertainment — 2 Silicone Face Cover + USB Extension CableNewest Oculus Quest 2 Wireless All-in-one VR Gaming Headset – 128GB (Newest Firmware) – Support Casting to Tablet + VGSION Batteries and Free GamesOculus Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset — 128 GB with Carrying Case and Elite Strap for Enhanced Support and Comfort in VR

What are their spiritual needs?

If you’re religious, then you can’t afford to overlook your autistic child’s spiritual needs. It can be a bit difficult since they think in pictures but it’s doable. Repetition is critical for these concepts.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His NameFloor Puzzle for Kids – Noah’s Ark – Jumbo Jigsaw Puzzle, Educational Game for Family and Kindergarten, Age 3-5, 48-Piece, 1.9 x 2.9 FeetPiece on Earth Nativity Puzzle Board | Children’s 11 pc. Chunky Wooden Inset Shapes | First Christmas, New Testament Christian Bible Story Toy for Advent, Religious Holidays, and Learning

Could you buy something needed to keep them healthy?  Essential oils or a diffuser for them to try for focus.

Life skills are important for our autistic kids. Life skills are literally safety skills. The more they can do for themselves, the less likely they are to be victimized. Why not buy a subscription box to Raddish to work on cooking skills?

Children, autistic or not, don’t need more toys or items that will overwhelm them. Take some time to talk to the parents to see what they need. I bet a gift that’s needed would be so much more appreciated than one that will take up space and remind the parents of their deficits.  Be an encourager!

Related Posts:

DIY Sensory Room On A Budget

DIY Weighted Vest For Sensory Needs

AT Home Occupational Therapy Program

DIY A Weighted Blanket

Another year, another Christmas! The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. And some of the best things about this time of year is that it’s a time of gratitude, togetherness, and celebration.

I have teamed up with some pretty generous bloggers for the 9th annual Christmas Blessings Giveaway to bless FIVE families this year. In the past we have had two winners for this giveaway, but this year we wanted to give to even more families – we are giving away $200 gift cards to 5 families! Each winner will get a $200 gift card to wherever they choose – a restaurant, clothing store, grocery store, online retailer – any place that offers gift cards!

There are lots of entry options in the Rafflecopter form below – the more you enter, the better your chance of winning!  I know it can seem tedious and time consuming to go through all the entries, but isn’t a chance at $200 worth it? I think it is!  Plus, all of these amazing bloggers donated their own money towards the prizes, so this giveaway wouldn’t be possible without them.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out each one. Who knows, maybe you will find some new blogs to follow.

The giveaway will run from Monday, November 14th through Wednesday, November 23rd (ends at 11:59pm EST). Winner will be notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize or another winner will be drawn. By entering this giveaway, you agree to be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers.  Please be sure to read the Rafflecopter terms and conditions upon entering

The post A Comprehensive Gift Guide For Autistic Children This Holiday Season appeared first on Our Crazy Adventures In Autismland.

Mummy Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 bag beef meatballs; pre frozen or make your own and freeze
• 1 can crescent dough or pizza dough (I use Bob’s Red Mill GF pizza crust mix)
• 1 small can black olives
• 3 cheese sticks; chopped into small pieces

Early California, Ripe Pitted, Large Black Olives, 6 oz, 6-CansMeatball MasterBob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix – 16 oz – 2 PackFrigo Cheese Heads String Cheese (1 oz. pkg, 60 ct.)

Instructions

• Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
• Open and unroll dough. (If making GF, mix pizza crust mix together)
• Roll dough flat. Cut down the middle then slice into very small lines
• Take meatballs and wrap a strip of dough around the meatball and place on cooking sheet

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
• Repeat step #4 until all the meatballs are covered.
• Bake for 12 mins until dough is lightly golden brown.
• Take cheese and roll into tiny pieces then place into center of olives. Be careful not to break the olives.
• Place on meatballs using a small dot of pasta sauce, ketchup, or mustard.
• Makes 20-25 mummy meatballs

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The post Mummy Meatballs Make Halloween Delicious And Scary! appeared first on Our Crazy Adventures In Autismland.

Items Needed For Tide Container Ghost

1 empty Tide laundry pods container

Ghost template

Printer paper OR 8.5×11 blank adhesive label OR black adhesive vinyl

Liquid glue (if not using adhesive)

Scissors (if not using a cutting machine)

Tide PODS Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Soap Pods, 81 countGoo Gone Original – 2 Ounce – Surface Safe Adhesive Remover Safely Removes Stickers Labels Decals Residue Tape Chewing Gum Grease TarAmazon Basics Laundry Detergent Pacs, Free & Clear, Hypoallergenic, Free of Perfumes Clear of Dyes, 120 Count (Previously Solimo)Elmer’s E1321 Glue-All Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue, Extra Strong, 16 Ounces, 1 Count

Directions To Make Tide Container Ghost

1. Remove the label from the laundry pods container by soaking in hot water, scraping, and then using GooGone to remove completely. You can also use a heat gun to warm the label but the ease of this option varies based on the brand. For instance, I found using a heat gun to be easy on Gain containers but difficult on Tide containers.
2. Remove the top from the container and discard.
3. Print template and cut.
4. Apply the template to the side of the container.

Looking for more Halloween content?

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